Japan Envoy Discusses Third Terminal Launch with Aviation Minister
The meeting focused on issues of mutual interest, including continued cooperation in the aviation sector. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Rashiduzzaman Millat was also present.
ATT Correspondent 
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi has held talks with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita on expediting the long-delayed third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA).
According to a ministry press release, the meeting on Monday focused on issues of mutual interest, including continued cooperation in the aviation sector. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Rashiduzzaman Millat was also present.
The Tk 21,000 crore third terminal project was implemented with financial assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Although the terminal was soft-launched in October 2023, it has remained largely idle despite construction having been completed more than a year ago.
Negotiations between Bangladesh and the Japanese side over operational control and revenue-sharing arrangements collapsed in November 2025 amid disagreements. The deadlock has prevented full-scale operations of the facility, which was built to reduce congestion at the airport.
On 22 February, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed officials to fast-track the operational launch of the terminal during a meeting at the Secretariat’s Cabinet Conference Room. The directive aims to increase passenger handling capacity and improve overall efficiency at the country’s main international gateway.
Officials expressed hope that the prime minister’s latest instruction would help revive discussions and lead to the finalisation of terms for full operations. Once fully functional, the third terminal is expected to ease congestion at Dhaka airport and significantly boost both passenger and cargo capacity.
They also noted that the project represents a major milestone in Bangladesh-Japan cooperation in the aviation sector. Despite substantial investment and completion of construction work, the terminal has remained underutilised.
The government is now expected to resume efforts to resolve outstanding issues with Japanese stakeholders. Aviation authorities say they are working to accelerate the process following the prime minister’s high-level intervention.
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